ugly green suitcases

I don't know what it is about the holidays and the end of another year that makes us look back, other than the fact that it is the end of a relatively long period of time, but looking back I really do have to admit that I've gladly shed people that I no longer need in my life, and being by myself this year has given me much time to mull over the sometimes overrated but still significant themes of life and love, and ways to find it, and whether or not we truly need it, or if it even exists. I don't know how I feel about going into another year being just as clueless as I was at the start of this one.

I've gained some sun spots, several inches on my hips, and some truly wonderful relationships with inspirational personalities I know will last til my headstone, or theirs. Blasting Angus & Julia at full volume until the photo frames start to wobble has led to friendships consisting of woolen teapots and discussions about clay imprints of the female anatomy that make it, well, female.

My life with the ones I love (you'll know if you're on that list if you check my speed dial allocations) can simply be described by these memorable words of Joey Tribbiani's:

It is a love based on giving and receiving as well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have... and receive.

Thank you for making 2010 what it was. I'm not sure if you reached for the bucket as many times as I did, but let's hope 2011 brings more beer battered chips, Audrey Hepburn black silk dresses and caramel lattes into our lives!